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Covid-19: Is an ‘Omicron-specific’ vaccine needed? Experts say it might come too late

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Covid-19: Is an ‘Omicron-specific’ vaccine needed? Experts say it might come too late

As the world frets over the need for an Omicron-specific vaccine against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), several public health professionals and infectious disease experts interviewed by Nature have had mixed views on the matter. According to medics and researchers interviewed by the journal, it is unclear whether the scientific community will need to devote significant time and effort to developing a vaccine specifically against the highly circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain of the coronavirus, as the world’s Cases may flatten out before injections are approved in most places, or the next strain may be completely different from the current one, requiring again a different vaccine composition.

Debate: Why develop an Omicron-specific vaccine?

The earliest Covid-19 vaccines were based on the original SARS-CoV-2 strain first discovered in Wuhan, China. But since then, the coronavirus has undergone multiple mutations; the Omicron strain, which is capable of frequent transmission, contains more than 30 mutations in key regions of its genome, making it quite different from the original strain.

Given the changes in Omicron’s biology compared to the original virus, and the fact that the new strain is becoming the dominant variant in several countries around the world, the researchers came up with the idea of ​​updating the vaccine’s composition.

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Also, the protection provided by the booster is not permanent. While the UK health safety agency says a third dose of the vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalisation by 92% and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is 90% effective in preventing hospitalisations, everyone agrees that the protection is driven by boosters The firing also waned quickly. The UK study showed that the effectiveness against hospitalisation dropped from 92% to 83% just 10 weeks after the third dose was administered.

Notably, updated systems for existing vaccines such as influenza viruses already exist. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a team of experts that meets twice a year to recommend ingredients for the next season of vaccines, making it easier for health regulators in countries to follow up. There are also more than 100 laboratories and five WHO collaborating centres around the world conducting year-round surveillance, testing thousands of virus samples and predicting how the next influenza strain will develop.

However, there are some complications with the influenza vaccine model that replicates the coronavirus, especially given the Omicron variant.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times

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Delhi Weather and AQI Today: Warm start at 22.05 °C, check weather forecast for October 22, 2024

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Delhi Weather and AQI Today: Warm start at 22.05 °C, check weather forecast for October 22, 2024

Check the weather forecast and air quality updates for Delhi on October 22, 2024 here.

The temperature in Delhi today, on October 22, 2024, is 32.93 °C. The day’s forecast indicates a minimum and maximum temperature of 22.05 °C and 35.04 °C, respectively. The relative humidity is 26% and the wind speed is 26 km/h. The sun rose at 06:26 AM and will set at 05:44 PM.

Tomorrow, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Delhi is predicted to experience a minimum and maximum temperature of 27.42 °C and 34.91 °C, respectively. Tomorrow humidity levels will be at 20%.

With temperatures ranging between 22.05 °C and 35.04 °C, prepare for a hot day and plan outdoor activities accordingly. If you are sensitive to heat, take note of the weather forecast and consider appropriate attire and activities suitable for the prevailing weather.

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The AQI in Delhi today stands at 334.0, falling in the very poor category. Everyone should be cautious. Children and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should stay indoors and others should also limit their outdoor activities. Usage of masks and air purifying devices is advised. Being aware of the AQI helps one make informed decisions regarding one’s overall well-being while planning the day’s activities.

Weather and AQI predictions in Delhi for next 7 days:

DateTemperatureSky
October 23, 202432.93 °CSky is clear
October 24, 202432.69 °CSky is clear
October 25, 202432.5 °CSky is clear
October 26, 202432.07 °CSky is clear
October 27, 202430.69 °CSky is clear
October 28, 202431.29 °CSky is clear
October 29, 202432.09 °CSky is clear

Weather in other cities on October 22, 2024

CityTemperatureSky
Mumbai28.35 °CLight rain
Kolkata28.84 °CSky is clear
Chennai28.94 °CLight rain
Bengaluru25.53 °CModerate rain
Hyderabad27.75 °CModerate rain
Ahmedabad31.9 °CSky is clear
Delhi32.93 °CSky is clear

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